When Was Your Last Dental Checkup?
Maintaining a clean and healthy smile is a continuous process. When done correctly, brushing and flossing your teeth can keep teeth safe for a short while; however, if you wait long enough until your next session, or if you’re careless with how well you clean your teeth, then brushing and flossing may not be adequate to protect your smile from danger. Even if you’re diligent with your toothbrush and floss, excessive plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) can still slip past your defenses in certain spots. Aside from daily home care, routine professional dental checkups and cleanings with your Livonia dentist are also a vital part of good oral health, and are necessary to ensure consistently healthy teeth and gums.
Caring for Teeth at Home
The constant threat to your oral health comes in the form of over 600 different kinds of oral bacteria, which accumulate and form dental plaque as protection. From within this sticky biofilm, oral bacteria undergo various metabolic processes that can threaten your teeth, gums, and entire oral health. To combat the threat, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends gently brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and flossing at least once (preferably before bedtime). You should also limit the amount of times you snack throughout the day to prevent over-feeding the bacteria in your mouth.
Why Professional Care is Vital
When you’re proud of your dental hygiene routine, you may be tempted to skip a dental appointment now and then, believing that you’ve done a good enough job at home to afford missing a dental checkup. Unfortunately, plaque has a tendency to hide very well, and missing a spot now and then is more common than many patients believe. After about 48 hours, plaque calcifies (hardens) into tartar, which doesn’t dissolve in water and is impervious to your toothbrush and floss. Keeping your oral hygiene up to par requires the professional tools and expertise of your Livonia dentist. During your visit, Dr. Stewart will thoroughly remove plaque, tartar, and residual bacteria from your teeth to reduce the risk of bacteria-caused tooth decay and gum disease.
About James Stewart, DDS:
Our philosophy is that excellent dental begins with developing a relationship with the patient. James Stewart, DDS, and our experienced staff proudly serve patients from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.